CNN "Loneliness is an epidemic...Korea Spends 450 Billion Won On 'This'

ⓒYTN

Overseas media have shed light on the phenomenon of "lonely death" in Korea.

On the 24th local time, CNN reported, "An epidemic of loneliness is spreading around the world. Seoul will spend $327 million (about W451.3 billion) to prevent this,' the report said.

CNN explained, "Thousands of Koreans (mostly middle-aged men) die alone, disconnected from their families and friends, every year, and it can take days or weeks for the body to be found."

He then introduced the Seoul Metropolitan Government's policy to prevent loneliness and isolation, saying, "Lonely death is part of the bigger problem of loneliness and isolation, and the Korean government is doing everything in its power to counter it."

Earlier, on the 21st, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a comprehensive measure called "Seoul without loneliness" to solve the loneliness and isolation problem, and announced a plan to create a separate ministry and invest 451.3 billion won over five years.

CNN, however, pointed out, "Experts welcome this measure, but they are voicing that more should be done because 'loneliness in Korea' is related to a unique part of Korean culture."

He also pointed out the factors that make Koreans lonely. CNN analyzed, "Koreans are relationship-oriented and have characteristics that define themselves through relationships with people around them, so they can feel lonely when they feel that they are not influential."

In this regard, Ahn Soo-jung, a psychotherapy professor at Myongji University, said, "It is difficult to say that Koreans feel lonely, but it is slightly different from other countries. In Korea, they feel very lonely when they feel that they are not worth enough."

CNN analyzed, "Koreans tend to activate their social lives and establish intimate relationships with others, but when they compare themselves to others, they can feel lonely when they question whether they are useful, have contributed enough to society, or are behind," adding, "Individuals should spend time alone well, face themselves, and develop their ability to take care of themselves."

Meanwhile, the annual death toll from loneliness rose gradually to 3,559 in 2022, 3,378 in 2021 and 3,661 last year, according to recently released statistics from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Reporter Lee Yu Na from Digital News Team.